Google to Prioritize Non-Crashy Apps In Play Store

Google today said it has taken steps to improve the quality of apps that appear in Play Store searches. Google has adjusted its search algorithm to account for app performance metrics. Google found that apps with excessive battery usage, slow render times, and frequent crashes were poorly rated and often uninstalled or unused by consumers. Moving forward, Google will account for these metrics as it performs searches. Google says this change "results in higher quality apps being surfaced in the Play Store more than similar apps of lower quality." Google encourages developers to ensure their apps are of high quality in order to rank higher in search results. It lists several tools developers can put to use in order to improve their apps. Google claims developers who reduce crashes, in particular, will see average app ratings go up. Higher app ratings generally lead to more downloads and engagement.